Obsession

IV

That stage was like a second home to me. The strobe lights, the sweat, the other girls. There was always this consuming familiar feeling every time I walked through the club's entrance. Prying eyes enveloping me every night just like a heavy duvet.

It was the first night Kryos had started using his money to persuade me to sit with him. He'd hold me there so I wouldn't have to go off and dance for any other patron.  I was making my rounds, quietly nodding to the men and women seated at the bar. I had become used to this atmosphere and no longer had to give myself mental preparations before leaving the dressing rooms.

As soon as my eyes met Kryos' a wave of relief flooded over my entire body. I immediately stalked my way towards him, feeling the most comfortable in his presence. A large, all-knowing grin flitted over his lips as soon as I reached his table.  "You seem excited to see me," he said, deep gun-metal irises searching my blue ones. His eyes are so piercing and intricate, like two gems carved into a perfectly chiseled skull.

"I am," I admitted honestly. I lowered my voice before leaning towards him. "I had to give two lap dances tonight," I whispered tightly, my teeth gritting as the fresh memories replayed in my mind.

"A stripper is supposed to give lap dances Roxanne," he quipped, lifting a curious and somewhat playful brow.

I paused, stunned by his words. Usually he'd say something reassuring and uplifting. This was the first time he ever gave me anything straight. "Oh," I hummed, turning my gaze to scan the crowd of thirsty men and women cluttering the bar. "Then I guess I'll go give someone a third."

Before I could even shuffle out of my stool, Kryos'  hand was firmly grasped around my wrist. "I don't think so," his deep, velvety vocals vibrated. For some odd reason, I felt compelled to stay seated by just the tone of his voice. He must be a wonderful business man.

"Easy tiger. You know that's the last thing I want." I gave him a forced reassuring grin and comforted him by rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.

Releasing a breath he seemed to be holding in, he released my wrist and leaned back into his chair. Honey must have pounced on him earlier, as she was headed towards us with a fresh can of Budweiser in her perfectly manicured claws. "Here ya' go hon," she purred in a sultry voice. Her deep chocolate brown eyes met with mine for a brief moment, a suggestive spark igniting in their depths that told me if you don't jump on that soon, I'll be happy to do it for you. I quickly dismissed her with a wave of the hand.

"I've never met a stripper--"

"Please don't call me that. I prefer the term 'exotic dancer'."

"--Okay then. I've never met an exotic dancer who was so unexotic, if you will." Kryos pressed the rim of the Budweiser can to his lips, taking a sip and peering over the top with a smooth and pressing gaze.

I bowed my head, much like a subordinate addressing a king. "Well I'm honored to be your first."

Without even seeing his lips, I could tell he was smirking behind his can of beer. "Is that so?"

"Yes your royal highness."

Without missing a beat, he sat his can back on the table, leaned forward and lowered his voice so that only I could hear the next words he spoke. "I prefer the title of Lord. It's much more," he paused, soaking up the tension that ignited between us, "regal, don't you think?"

He lifted his head, our eyes clashing, noses barely touching. I had to press my thighs together, heat rising to my abdomen. Quietly, hardly even a whisper, I breathed, "Yes, my lord."